1st time cruiser

[dirkuys]

This is the 1st time in my life time that I will be on a cruise ship. We will leave Galveston on Sept 1st - so cross fingers for tropical depression Katrina not to make it over there.

 

I read a few feedbacks from people and I'm starting to form an idea of what to expect. I first though all were included in the price, except alcohol beverages. Now I see that we pay for sodas and video games for the kids, ect. Any other surprises? How much money do you suggest I take, was planning on say $200-$300 cash per person for a 4 day cruise?

[Terri102066]

You can spend as much or as little money as you want. The most expensive items will be the excursions unless you order them before you leave. No one says that you have to do anything, including excursions. Take the money that you can offord and then after you get on the ship you can decide what is more important to you. $100.00 per day would be a good place to start.

 

 

Don't forget the tips also that you will need to pay, with Carnival that is $10.00 per day, per person.

 

Terri

[kfgarrow]

Dirk-

Congratulations on your first cruise! We are not big drinkers, gamblers or shoppers so our sign and sail bill is usually about $500 for a 7 day cruise (2 people). We actually spent about the same when the kids were with us because we drank less. Drinks, casino and bingo cash advances, shopping on board, spa treatments and shore excursions are the big ticket items that can run up a sign and sail bill. Only you know which of these items appeal to you. I think $200-300 pp for a four-day is quite generous.

[Cotton]

Hi Dirk, and welcome to the boards.:)

 

I probably cruise for less than most anybody I know. (I'm a solo cruiser, so I'm already paying much more than some others, so I have to watch the budget.)

 

A few things not included in the cruise fare:

Alcoholic drinks,beer,soft drinks

Pictures taken by the ship's photographer

Bingo, Arcade, Casino

 

You CAN get by with less money. For instance:

 

Beverages - on Lido Deck at all times are machines that have lemonade, fruitpunch, juices, coffee, tea, water. In the mornings, also hot chocolate. Most of these beverages are on the room service menu as well. (No charge for anything on room service menu except alcohol, but please tip the delivery person $1 or $2 each time you order. Your cabin steward doesn't deliver room service orders, so it's a separate entity.) Oh, and if you purchase a beverage, the 15% tip is already included, so no need to tip further.

 

Photos - I know some folks just can't help themselves, and must buy lots of the photos.;) I buy only one on each cruise - the one they take just prior to boarding at embarkation, and only then because I use it as a title for my scrapbook pages, since it has the date and name of ship. Also - you can ask your fellow passengers to take shots of you and your group. I've found that everybody is happy to oblige.

 

Another money saver - I haven't booked an excursion since my first cruise in 1987. I wing it. Actually, I do lots of homework before leaving home, and I know where I want to go at each port-of-call. I grab a taxi and take off. MUCH less expensive than booking excursions.

 

Souveniers - I don't buy a lot of 'stuff', but I always bring back a little souvenier or two to remind me of that particular cruise or island. You can spend as little or as much as you want on these type things.

 

You'll just have to use your own best judgement as to what is necessary for the enjoyment of your cruise. Hope these hints help some. Bon Voyage!:)

[Cotton]

Oooops. I forgot to mention that Carnival allows a 'reasonable amount' of soft drinks to be brought on board at embarkation, as well as a coupla bottles of wine. That could save you quite a chunkachange. (The Cokes and Sprites that will be in your cabin will cost you $2.50 EACH....!...so don't drink them unless you want to see them on your Sail & Sign account.)

[momofzeke]

Welcome to the boards! Cotton pretty much covered everything. You WILL have a fantastic time on your cruise! WARNING!! Cruising is VERY addictive! I'll bet this won't be your last cruise. :D

[Cotton]

:D Mom, I keep forgetting things.....

 

One other thing....In the dining room at all meals, you can have complimentary espresso or cappuccino. Not offered on Lido Deck, but I enjoy all three meals every day in the dining room (don't care for buffet food - just me), and I even have a double espresso every evening w/dessert.:)

[volvomom1]

Hello

 

If you are going on a carnival cruise I would suggest buying soda cards the minute you get on the ship for those soda fnatics. I know it may seem like a lot a t first, but it is definetly worth buying if you drink 2 or more sodas a day. They will automatically charge the tips onto your sail and sign card, but if you had exceptional service, save a few bucks out for extra tips.

Hope this helped

[volvomom1]

Hello

 

I forgot, buy excursions through independent people and not the ship. My daughter and I got cave tubing in Belize for $45 a person instead of $90 a person!! and we felt so much safer.... here's a link to our review

 

http://carnival-elation.tripod.com